Definition
A mechanic certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 65 to perform, approve, and return to service maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on the airframe (the structure of the aircraft) and the powerplant (the engine and its components). An A&P holds two ratings — Airframe and Powerplant — and may hold them individually or together. An A&P is not authorized to perform annual inspections unless they also hold an Inspection Authorization (IA).
Plain English
An FAA-licensed aircraft mechanic qualified to work on the body of the aircraft and on the engine, and to sign the work off as airworthy.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance discussions, aircraft logbooks, inspection requirements, and light-sport aircraft maintenance rules.
Derivation
‘Airframe’ refers to the airplane’s structure — fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear — minus the engine. ‘Powerplant’ is the engine and the systems that make it run. The two ratings cover the two main halves of the aircraft, which is why the certificate combines them.
Why Pilots Care
Only an A&P mechanic may perform and sign off on many required inspections and repairs that determine whether an aircraft remains airworthy and legal to fly.
Intuition Check
Powerplant does not mean an electrical generating station here. In aviation, it means the aircraft engine and the parts needed for it to produce thrust.
Example Sentence 1
After the rough-running magneto check, the pilot taxied back and had an A&P inspect the ignition system before the next flight.
Example Sentence 2
LSA maintenance records must show that an A&P mechanic performed the required checks.